Save 117 Durham (Sports Playing Field)

CANOPY Cobourg is an alliance of a diverse group of organizations and individuals working to preserve 117 Durham as public green space. 

 

We oppose the sale of the majority of this community sports field to private developers and are actively pushing back against the Town of Cobourg’s proposed rezoning to high density. 

 

This treasured land is essential for recreation, environmental health, and community well-being—now and for generations to come.

Draft Survey of Parcel being Sold

Status: Ongoing 

Objection to Rezoning – Letter of Support from POHH PDF

Preserve the Waterfront Nature Park

Thousands of migrating birds depend on the West Headland every year as a stopover both in the spring when they head north, and in the fall when they head back south. There are also many resident ducks, geese and other bird species which frequent the harbour throughout the year.

The West Headland, until recently a wildflower meadow and refuge for Monarch Butterflies, has been severely damaged by the actions of Public Works.

Big yachts have deep keels that demand deep water. This necessitates extensive dredging and disposal of the sludge.

In the past it was  dumped on the West Headland and trucked away. Or, pumped over the East Pier into the water off Victoria Beach. Damage to the Waterfront Nature Park’s  eco-system has occurred due to dredging, heavy machinery and aggressive clearing of the wetlands and beach willows. 

Status: We’re requesting community engagement and consultation in restoring this valuable green space. See presentations to Cobourg Council in 2024 and 2025. 

Marina Expansion

Affected User Groups
Dragon boaters, canoeists, kayakers, small sail boaters, bird watchers, nature lovers, artists, photographers, walkers and strolling townsfolk.

Taxpayers

Town staff repeatedly claimed that the Marina is self-sustaining, yet they cannot maintain their existing infrastructure and need more money. In fact, they want the Town to loan the Marina $2.9 million. They claimed that only by expanding into the West Harbour can the Marina hope to survive.

Loss of Tax Revenue and Real Estate Values
As expressed in the letter of the Northumberland Condominium Corporation #19 to the Mayor and Council,  the scenery and beautiful views of the harbour affect real estate prices. Real estate values can be expected to slump for surrounding residential properties with more noise, more dredging, and less open water in the West Harbour. This will reduce further tax revenues.

Loss of Nature

Boat storage expansion will further obstruct clear views of the open water. The paving over of green spaces for more car parking and boat storage will turn what is now a serene and pleasant view into a permanent eyesore.

Status: Marina expansion was stopped.